How Ukrainian children demonstrate resilience during war: schoolboy from Energodar awarded for patriotic stance
The full-scale war in Ukraine has been going on for the fourth year, and during this time, not only the military, civilians or volunteers, but also children have accepted the new reality. Hundreds of thousands of teenagers and schoolchildren found themselves in the occupied territories, in the war zone or were forced to leave their homes. Some of them continue their studies remotely, some – in schools in evacuation, and others – in occupation, under constant pressure, control and attempts at assimilation. Despite this, many of them maintain their dignity and demonstrate impressive citizenship. One such example is the story of ninth-grader Mark Komarov from temporarily occupied Energodar.
Position Reward: award of the President of Ukraine
On May 31, 2025, Mark Komarov, a ninth-grader at Energodar Gymnasium No. 2, was officially announced as the laureate of the State Award of the President of Ukraine “Future of Ukraine”. This distinction is awarded to young people who have demonstrated active citizenship, responsibility, courage and the ability to resist in difficult circumstances.
About awarding reported Ivan Fedorov, head of the Zaporizhia Regional Military Administration. The solemn announcement took place during the school holiday of the last bell. Lyudmila Bukharina, director of the Department of Education and Science of Zaporizhzhya Ova, congratulated Mark on behalf of the administration. She personally read the wording of the award:
“For courage, resilience, patriotism, the state award “Future of Ukraine” was awarded to Mark Komarov – a student of the Energodar Gymnasium No. 2″.
Refusal to serve propaganda
The reason for state recognition was Mark’s position on forcing him to cooperate with the occupation authorities. The young man is a talented boxer, winner of regional level competitions, and because of this he became the object of pressure. According to representatives of the educational administration, the occupiers tried to force the boy to represent Russia at sports tournaments. It was repeated pressure – attempts to convince, blackmail, threats. But Mark categorically refused to represent the aggressor country.
In the conditions of occupation, such a refusal is a serious and dangerous gesture. Public statements or even silent refusal can have consequences ranging from family repression to educational restrictions or persecution. Despite this, the young man remained true to his beliefs.
Recognition and an example for others
“I will wear this award with dignity!” said Mark Komarov after the award presentation.
These words became a symbolic response to all those who are trying to break the youth in the temporarily occupied territories. His example is already drawing attention to the role of teenagers in the formation of the new Ukrainian society — not as passive participants, but as full-fledged citizens.
For many children, the war became a point of adulthood. They are more aware of the concepts of dignity, belonging to the state, and personal choice. Cases like Mark’s prove that resistance continues not only at the front or in diplomatic offices, but also in school classrooms, sports sections, on occupied streets.
The story of Mark Komarov is not exceptional, it reflects a general trend: despite difficult circumstances, Ukrainian children demonstrate adult civic responsibility and endurance. School reform, volunteer initiatives, support for psychologists and teachers — all this should be based on respect for the inner strength of those who today form the basis of future Ukraine. And it is for their sake that we should talk not only about the adaptation of education to the war, but about a full-fledged policy of support and development of the new generation – a generation that knows the price of freedom not from textbooks.
